World Cup: Dutch Beat Costa Rica in Shootout to Reach Semi-Final

by Editor | July 6, 2014 2:53 am

CNN – It was supposed to be a formality, but the Netherlands was made to sweat against Costa Rica before eventually overcoming the 2014 World Cup’s surprise package and booking a place in the semifinals Saturday.

Substitute goalkeeper Tim Krul was the hero, saving two penalties to secure a 4-3 shootout victory after this tense, nervous quarterfinal finished goalless.

Incredibly, the Newcastle man was brought on in the 29th minute of extra time with the sole job of denying “Los Ticos” in the spot-kick showdown.

It earned the Dutch a second consecutive semifinals appearance, having lost to Spain in the title match four years ago.

Now the aim for Louis van Gaal’s men is to go one better than in South Africa.